March 29, 2024

Area girls basketball

Murray 50, GVC 48

LAMONI — Murray gave up a late lead, as eighth-ranked Grand View Christian forced overtime here Thursday, but the Lady Mustangs rebounded for a 50-48 overtime win in the semifinals of the Bluegrass Conference Tournament.

“I would never have guessed that we could give up nine 3-pointers and still win the game,” Murray head coach Jerry Shields said. “But we only gave up nine shots inside the circle and they only went to the free throw line four times. That was a big key for us. We were able to break their press and get some easy transition buckets. Controlling our turnovers was also very significant.”

Deena Snyder finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists to lead Murray, now 13-5 for the season. Jade Lecy added 11 points with six boards and three assists. Madison Gonseth recorded 10 points with three rebounds.

Zadie Hatfield chipped in seven points with three boards and four steals, while Chellsea Jones finished with three points. Shelby Myers scored two points.

Murray advances to Saturday’s championship game of the Bluegrass Conference Tournament against Moravia. That game is scheduled to tip at 6 p.m.

Nodaway Valley 35, SW Valley 34

CORNING — Playing without two starters for most of the game, Nodaway Valley escaped with a 35-34 win over Southwest Valley here Tuesday.

Senior Josie Carter missed the game, leaving sophomore Keeley Shantz to pick up her first career start. Paige McElfish suffered an injury late in the second quarter and missed the remainder of the game.

“Without two starters for most of the game, NV struggled offensively,” Wolverine head coach Tom Thompson said. “But the defensive intensity was the best of the season. Josie Clarke stepped up and carried the load offensively.”

Clarke finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds to go with seven steals and three blocked shots. Mercedes Harter, Shantz and Hollie Perrin each scored four points. McElfish scored two points before leaving with the injury and Riley Lonsdale also scored two points. Jessica Nelson was held scoreless in the game.

“We fought throughout the game and played very well,” Southwest Valley head coach Allen Naugle said. “We just weren’t able to make enough plays in the end to win the game, though.”

Marie Palmer led Southwest Valley with a double-double, scoring 10 points with 11 rebounds and four blocked shots. Jonnie Weeks scored six points, as did Lexi Bronner. Katie Taylor and Shelby Cooper each finished with three points. Regan Jessen, Janelle Gibler and Jade Petersen all scored two points apiece.

Lenox 53,

East Union 16

LENOX — Lenox built a 12-4 lead after one quarter and then pulled away with a 21-4 second quarter on its way to a 53-16 win here Tuesday.

Katie Dukes recorded a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Jessica Anderson scored 16 points with five assists and five steals. Mika Weaver added nine points and four rebounds. Katelyn Belding scored four points with four rebounds and Jacy Stoaks finished with four points, six rebounds and three steals.

“We played very good team defense tonight and Jessica had a great night all around,” Lenox head coach Mandy Stoaks said.

For East Union, Sidney McFee scored four points and finished with seven steals. Danielle Riley had four points with six rebounds and Amber Selim also scored four points. Cassidy Riley and Lauren Mitchell each scored two points.